Once again Almonte showed why it is known as “the magical town in the valley”. All the warmth and spirit of its character was on display at Light up the Night, Mississippi Mills’ outdoor celebration to launch the holiday season. An estimated 4,000 revellers crowded Mill Street on a crisp early winter evening to listen to musical performances, hosted by Wayne Rostad, drink hot chocolate and devour hot dogs for sale along the street, and to explore holiday offerings in Mill Street stores.
The show featured a number of Ottawa Valley performers, and, in honour of this Almonte tradition, a new song called “Light Up the Night” drew great applause from the crowd. The crowd clapped heartily for the singers, but the sound, muffled by winter gloves, was muted, so appreciation was shown by waving arms. Revellers wandered Mill Street, singing along as onstage performers launched into holiday favourites. Noreen Young puppets, Rudolf and Mrs Claus, accompanied the performers from their own onstage perch.
Santa arrived atop the Victoria Mill at the wave of the wands of the Snow Queen and Twinkle Fairies and dropped down to the stage to cheer the crowd and join in the singing of the iconic “Christmas in the Valley”. The Snow Queen and Twinkle Fairies worked their magic once more setting off the fireworks to the music of the “Hallelujah Chorus”.
A family of revellers get into the spirit of the season in Santa tuques.
Performers drew enthusiastic applause.
Mill Street Books, like other stores, was crowded with holiday browsers.
Revellers pack Mill Street, singing along with the performers.
The beautiful snow queen and her charming twinkle fairies used their magic to summon Santa and the Light Up the Night fireworks.
Santa blessed the celebration with an pre Christmas appearance, but rushed back to the North Pole to complete holiday preparations immediately afterwards.
Fireworks lit up the night to conclude the celebration.